Tenali Raman was once brought before a judge by a man to whom he owed some money.
The creditor said to the judge, “This man owes me 500 dinars which is long overdue. I request your excellency to order him to pay me immediately, without further delay.” “I do owe him money,” said Raman, “and I intend to pay him. I’ll sell my cow and horse if necessary, but it’ll take time.” “He is lying,” said the other man, “He doesn’t have a cow or horse or anything of value for that matter. I am told he doesn’t have even food in his house!” “When he knows I am so poor, O Judge,” said Raman, “ask him how he expects me to pay him immediately.” The judge dismissed the case.
